FATMAP by Strava

Neverending Road

Brevard

A gated, dead-end road perfect as a gravel grind or overnight bikepacking trip.

Gravel Biking Moderate

Distance
40 km
Ascent
702 m
Descent
702 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
739 m
High Point
1.1 km
Gradient
Neverending Road Map

Locals refer to this as "Neverending Road," though its official number designation is FS-5097. It's a great option for a long, quiet out-and-back gravel grind or as an overnight bikepacking trip. The route passes countless streams and gets quieter the further you go. Compared to most Pisgah rides, this route is relatively flat, climbing only 2,200' over ~25 miles total. The gravel road hugs the contours of the mountains and steers clear of any steep climbs.

Description

As mapped, this route begins on Wash Creek Road at the bottom of Bear Branch Trail. This is widely recognized as the start of Neverending Road, but not every map references it that way. There is a gate on Wash Creek Road that typically closes during the winter during freeze and thaw cycles, but there are no exact dates listed. Parking is available for less than a dozen cars. Alternatively, you could park anywhere along Wash Creek Road or North Mills River Road to begin your ride.

Neverending Road intersects several trails, including Trace Ridge, Spencer Gap, Fletcher Creek, and Middle Fork. The first of those three are extremely popular as downhill mountain bike trails, so it's likely you may cross paths with a few of them starting or ending their ride. Should the singletrack be too muddy to ride, this route makes a great alternative to still bag some miles without damaging the trails. Though Pisgah has earned a reputation as an all-seasons destination, many trails are still susceptible to erosion and damage if ridden during or immediately after rain.

Difficulty

Moderate

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

all year round

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area